Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/610602
16 F A L L 2 0 1 5 C A S Q U A R T E R L Y What would you say is your focus? My focus is mixing, which could be a film, TV show, trailer, video game, virtual reality, or music. What kind of consulting work do you do? It can be anything from a one-day site visit at the studio to putting a new room together. I help with mixing work- flows, plug-ins, setting up systems, acoustics, and ergo- nomic issues. I feel that I offer a unique perspective given my experiences with sound and technology. What do you do for software/hardware companies? I have different involvements with each company. Sometimes it's testing a product in alpha or beta stages. Other times, it's getting involved at the very beginning where you're helping in the design. A lot of the feedback I give is about making a product better for how mixers and editors will use it, while improving workflow and sound quality. How do you balance testing when you're mixing? I'm really particular about working on a stable system when I'm on the client's time. If a piece of software or a plug-in is ready for prime time, I'll try it on a show. Otherwise, I'm testing on my own time in my mix room. Would you say there are advantages to knowing the technology side? Absolutely! There are so many variables in a Pro Tools setup today (type of computer, operating system & plug- in versions, interfaces, multiple systems linked via satellite, and video codecs). It's not easy to get all of them working together. Even if you do, one thing can mess it all up. Secondly, there's so much going on inside a Pro Tools session (hundreds of tracks, thousands of clips with edits, complex automation & routing, VCAs, and reverbs). It's easy to make a mistake and lose a lot of work. I encourage people to ask questions and keep learning. The more you know about the tools you're using, the bet- ter off you'll be. What are your top three favorite plug-ins? MDW EQ, iZotope RX5, and Exponential Audio R2 Surround. Your favorite piece of outboard gear? Cedar DNS. If you didn't work in audio, what do you think you'd be doing? Something near a beach. What are your hobbies/interests outside of work? Family, dogs, traveling, architecture. What's your favorite movie genre to watch or work on? I love movies that take you on an adventure. • Yoda and Wookie